Freeway x Carlos “Botong” V. Francisco Collection

This year’s holiday collection celebrates Philippine’s greatest muralist of all time,   Carlos “Botong” V. Francisco, who comes from  the artist town of  Angono, Rizal.  Freeway’s Holiday 2012 Collection of National Artist Collectors’ Series pays tribute to his life and amazing murals. This most anticipated collaboration collection also marks the 100th Grand Anniversary of Botong’s life who was born in 1912.

Botong was the second Filipino to receive the title of National Artist in Painting, after Fernando C. Amorsolo.  He was one of the first Filipino modernists who revolutionized art and deviated from Fernando Amorsolo’s romanticism of Philippines scenes.  His great works include Blood Compact, First Mass at Limasawa, The Martyrdom of Rizal, Bayanihan, Magpupukot, Fiesta, Bayanihan sa Bukid, Sandugo, Portrait of Purita, The Invasion of Limahong, Serenade, and Muslim Betrothaland the famed “Nose Flute” which set auction record of P27.8 million and is now owned by a private Indonesian collector. 

Freeway x Carlos “Botong” V. Francisco

Freeway kick starts the 100th year Celebration of National Artist for Visual Arts Carlos "Botong" V. Francisco through the beautiful pieces of the National Artist Collectors’ Series.

The launch celebration was held last October 18, 2012, Thursday, at The Row, Glorietta 1. Attended by fashion and art enthusiasts, media friends and bloggers and the family and friends of Botong, it was a splendid night of art, fashion and a grand presentation of Filipino talent. 

The event night opened with a very impressive art exhibition by Michael Blanco’s Academy of Artists.   The exhibit showcased young talented artists at work, ages 6 years old to 12 years old, all from Botong Francisco’s hometown province of Angono Rizal.  The talented young artists wowed everyone with their incredible abilities showcased through live painting and sketching activity during the cocktails at 6pm.

This was followed by the event proper hosted by premier actress Cherie Gil.  A short video presentation was shown featuring the life and works of our National Artist.  After this informative and inspiring video, the 25 piece elegant Holiday collection immortalizing Botong Francisco’s paintings was showcased in a fashion show.  The original paintings that inspired each piece served as a colorful backdrop on the LED screen onstage.  From canvass to fabric, it was majestic to witness how Botong’s timeless paintings were translated into sublimation graphic tees, work shirts, tailored dresses, casual tops, weekend wear, and many other accessories.

Freeway's National Artist Collectors’ Series-Vicente Manansala

Freeway launched the National Artist Collectors’ Series Features Vicente Manansala at The Row, Glorietta 5 last October 18. The event was hosted by fashion icons and  trendsetters Tim Yap and Divine Lee.

The latest collections were in colorful print graphic tees and dresses, classic and modern tailored silhouettes 

Make up of the runway models by Margo Sarmiento, hair by Nina Escano, Charlene Manibo and Anna Liza Sulthan.